Description

Energetics: spicy, bitter, warm Meridians/organs affected: heart, liver, spleen (moves the blood). My personally experience with Frankincense is the feeling of “luminescence” and “calming”. Our tincture is triple infused using 96% alcohol and distilled water combined. We also have infused the tears of Frankincense in a coconut/cacao base making for a beautiful skin cream (and perfume) that can also be taken safely internally.

The Boswellic acids in Frankincense is a anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory . The essential oil of Frankincense contains no anti-cancer Boswellic acids.It looks like the popular belief that Frankincense “essential oil” cures Cancer is a myth (white lie) started by one of the large essential oil companies. Whether intentionally or unwittingly, this bit of misinformation is perpetuated by companies and individuals who sell Frankincense essential oil. In TCM, the resin of Frankincense is “cooked” to remove the essential oil before it is added to a formula or taken internally. The only way to benefit from the Boswellic acids is to utilize the resin of Frankincense, not the essential oil.

Frankincense is a moderate to large branching tree found in dry, hilly areas of India. Boswellia, also called Indian frankincense, Boswellia was, and it is still, an important herb in ancient Ayurvedic medicine and is known to be a safe and natural herbal remedy which will act as an anti-inflammatory agent to provide relief to the joints and muscle tissues that are stiff and painful and associated with arthritis, gout, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, fibrositis, small joint disease, lower back pain and rheumatic conditions.

The herb is generally tolerated with few side effects. Traditionally, Boswellia gum extract has been used for the treatment of diabetes, skin and blood diseases, fever, cardiovascular disorders, neurological disorders, colitis, diseases of the testes, and a myriad of other disorders. It gives the skin a fresh look, by reducing wrinkles and fine lines. Anecdotal reports and historical use suggest Boswellia herbal extracts promotes wound healing and may help skin ulcers, seborrhea and pimples heal. Additionally, Boswellia may help to relieve menstrual cramps and stimulate menstruation.

It has proven be an herbal remedy that supports healthy joints. This property of the herb is found to suppress the proliferating tissue of inflamed areas in the body and also prevent the breakdown of connective tissue. This is due to the Boswellic acids improving blood supply (moves blood) to the joints, and helping to maintain the integrity of the blood vessels.

Boswellia can be an excellent painkiller, and may even prevent the loss of cartilage. One study published in the journal for Phytomedicine found when the herb was administered to 30 patients, appeared to be an effective treatment for pain and inflammation. Those who were given a tincture of the herb reported a decrease in knee pain, and an increase in how far they could walk, as well as having more knee flexion. Additionally, if you suffer from a sprain or even a light strain, this herb can help to reduce the inflammation and ease the pain. In the same way, it has also been used for carpal tunnel pain relief. The use of the herbal extract of Boswellia helps by blocking the production of leukotrienes in the body.

Asthma is another chronic illness affected by inflammation. Boswellia’s actions also have an effect on bronchial asthma and lung function. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the use of Boswellia serrata, taken three times daily, showed improvement in signs and symptoms of asthma, including reduction of asthma attacks, and decreased asthma indicators. Asthma sufferers noted that there were fewer attacks and better measurable air movement through the lungs when treated with Boswellia.

Boswellia supports the immune system and may prevent infections in people with weakened immune systems and ease the symptoms of autoimmune conditions. Boswellia’s immuno-supportive actions may be linked to its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds. Boswellia is a fairly effective antioxidant and may protect against cellular damage from pollution, smoking, stress and poor diet. Antioxidants, such as Boswellia liquid extracts, can prevent several chronic diseases. Additionally, diets rich in antioxidants are helpful in preventing free radical damage to the heart and blood vessels. According to studies in India, Boswellia can also lower high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, two risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

Colitis is inflammation of the colon. It is a miserable condition and is likely to stay unless you do something about it. In colitis, inflammation is typically accompanied by ulceration, which can damage or destroy patches of the mucosal lining of the colon or rectum, ulcerative colitis, collagenous colitis and seems to be superior over mesalazine for the treatment of Crohn’s disease.

It is also believed to rejuvenate “mature” skin by encouraging new cells and promoting oil production for dry skin. Boswellia rejuvenates the skin and prevents wrinkles, even in sun-damaged skin. It has been proven to be effective in bringing back a healthy complexion and reducing wrinkles and fine lines by supporting new skin cells. It also soothes the allergic or irritating reactions of sensitive skin. Boswellia Serrata is effective against a range of bacteria (including Staphylococcus aureus), and may a suitable treatment for skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, seborrhea, ringworm, skin ulcers, sores, and boils.

As an added benefit, the incensole acetate, a component of Boswellia, has been shown to reduce behaviours typical of depression. The work showed that these compounds can readily enter the brain and the bloodstream. In May 2008, The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Journal, it was reported the Boswellia can trigger changes in the brain associated with calmness, mental clarity, and positive mood. Boswellia may be a potential natural herbal treatment option for mild depression. Boswellia serrata tinctures have also been shown to produce a significant increase in cognitive abilities for those who suffer diffuse axonal injury. This is a widespread and poorly understood consequence of brain trauma.

All types of Frankincense are composed of varying proportions of water-soluble gum, resin, and essential or volatile oils. These resins and volatile oils are lipophilic, (Fat soluble), and mostly dissolve in vegetable oils, alcohol and petroleum distillates. Resin acids make up most of the resin portion of these oleo gum resins and Boswellic acids are the main type of resin acids found in Frankincense. These resin acids make up the non-volatile portion of Frankincense, which means they cannot be distilled or found in the essential oil of Frankincense.

Boswellic acids have been shown in studies to be anti-prolific and may also cause apoptosis, (death), in a wide variety of cancer cells in the laboratory. There is, however, little “In vivo” research at this point. They need to be tested on people. Though one resin acid in particular, AKBA or acetyl-keto-beta boswellic acid has been the focus of anti-cancer studies, it is only one of many resin acid compounds in Frankincense that have their role to play and indeed likely play more effectively together than separately. To be clear, Boswellic acids are only present in the resin portion of these oleo-gum-resins, not their essential oils. Though all essential oils have therapeutic properties, the essential oil of Frankincense contains only trace amounts of Boswellic acids. You can literally knock yourself out with Frankincense essential oil without getting a meaningful amount of Boswellic acids.

Instructions: Use 3-4 drops in juice or water, under the tongue or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in cool dark place. Keep out of reach of children.

Cream: Apply topically to the area affected. Cream can be used internally and the oils assist in the absorption of the medicinal properties. It also is a wonderful “perfume”

Contraindications: Boswellia is not recommended for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease. There are no reported severe side effects of using this oil. However, in some rare cases, frankincense oil can cause skin rashes, gastrointestinal distress, such as nausea, stomach pain and hyperacidity. It also has blood thinning effects, and may increase the risk of abnormal bleeding in people with a bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulant medications.29 Frankincense essential oil is also not recommended for pregnant women and nursing moms, as it acts as an emmenagogue and may induce menstruation, which may be dangerous for an unborn fetus.